Assistant Professor of Humanities
University of Copenhagen
Denmark

Institution: Saxo Institute, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen (UCPH)
Position Type: Full-time, permanent tenure-track assistant professor
Start Date: 1 June 2026 (flexible)
Application Deadline: 23 November 2025, 23:59 CET

Job Description

The Saxo Institute invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship in European ethnology. The institute seeks a dynamic researcher capable of contributing to the development and advancement of European ethnology through research, teaching, and outreach.

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong theoretical and methodological competencies in ethnographic fieldwork and the study of cultural-historical material (e.g., archives, museums, landscapes, technologies).

• Ideally focus on the making of Europe, global entanglements, reflexive Europeanisation, and the cultural history of everyday life.

• Develop and implement a compelling research plan during the six-year tenure-track period.

• Engage in research-based teaching across several programs, including:

  • BA and MA in European Ethnology

  • MA in Applied Cultural Analysis (MACA)

  • MA in Advanced Migration Studies (AMIS)

• Contribute to the Saxo Institute’s seminars, research clusters, and centres.

• Participate in grant applications, collaborative research initiatives, and public dissemination of research.

The position requires regular presence at the institute, except for research leaves during the tenure-track period (one semester every three years).

Candidate Profile

• PhD in European ethnology or a related field.

• Research record demonstrating international competitiveness.

• Experience in ethnographic methods and cultural-historical research.

• Strong potential for teaching and supervision.

• Experience with interdisciplinary research and grant acquisition is an advantage.

• Willingness to acquire Danish language proficiency within 3–6 years (for teaching and collaboration).

Application Materials

Applications must be submitted online in English and include:

1. Letter of motivation

2. Curriculum vitae

3. Certificates and diplomas (including PhD)

4. Complete, numbered publication list (with publications marked *)

5. Research plan (past and future research, research organisation, seminars, etc.)

6. Teaching portfolio documenting teaching qualifications and dissemination

7. Up to five publications (max. five, at least two within the last five years)

8. Co-author contribution statements if applicable

Only material in English, German, Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish will be assessed.

Recruitment Procedure

• Applications reviewed by the Head of Institute and an expert assessment committee.

• Candidates may comment on their assessment before final appointment.

• Security screening may apply for international research collaboration.

Salary & Conditions

• Salary according to agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

• Starting salary: DKK 40,600/month (~EUR 5,400) + 18.07% pension contribution.

• Annual salary supplements negotiable.

Equal Opportunity & International Applicants

• UCPH encourages applications from all qualified candidates, reflecting societal diversity.

• Support provided for relocation, career counseling, and tax schemes for international researchers.

Contact Information

• Recruitment questions: HR Centre South, HR-Soendre@adm.ku.dk, Ref. 211-0244/25-2N

• Position-specific questions: Head of Institute, Casper Sylvest, casy@hum.ku.dk

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